I was somewhat disappointed in the lack of "focus" (no pun intended) of the album as a whole.

This album is a bizarre collection of unreleased original songs and alternate versions from the 'Focus X' sessions and some solo tracks from current members of the band. Being quite a big Focus fan, I was somewhat disappointed in the lack of "focus" (no pun intended) of the album as a whole.

It's only on the tracks where it's the band together as a whole unit that we really get something worthy of excitement. 'Victoria' is an instrumental driven by some very fluid guitar work and an example of the classic Focus sound, while 'Song For Eva' has a delightful spoken word intro and a feel good soulful style. 'Winnie' reminded me of an obscure Italian Horror movie score with its eerie and foreboding guitar/keyboard mood.

However, things really go wrong for me on Pierre van der Linden's 'Spiritual Swing' and 'Riverdance'. Sadly, despite both are played expertly on percussion, they come across as little more than background music. The acoustic work of Menno Gootjes on 'Two-Part Intervention' and 'Hazel' are quite beautiful, if a little directionless.

In all honesty, a new Focus album is what is really required, and this is nothing more than a collection of ideas and moments of vibrant musical flourishes that seem to cover many bases; maybe too many for their own good.

Ray Paul